APSC CCE Mains PYQ 2023, Essay Paper: Obesity: A new-age ‘disorder
The Essay Paper in the APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is often the deciding factor for aspirants aiming for the top ranks. Unlike General Studies papers, the essay requires a blend of factual knowledge, philosophical depth, and—most importantly—local context.
In the APSC 2024 Mains, one of the most thought-provoking topics was: “Artificial Intelligence is today’s Frankenstein”
For an aspirant from Assam, this topic provides a unique opportunity to juxtapose cutting-edge technology with the state’s deep-rooted humanism. It allows you to move beyond global tech debates and ground the “Frankenstein” metaphor in the local realities of the Brahmaputra valley
Here is a structured, detailed look at how to approach a similar topic “Obesity: A new-age ‘disorder”
APSC Mains Essay Paper, 2023: Obesity: A new-age ‘disorder
Model Answer:
The pursuit of modern comfort has led humanity into a quiet but pervasive crisis that now threatens the health of nations more than the infectious diseases of the past. For centuries, the struggle of the human race was against scarcity and the visceral pain of hunger. However, in the twenty first century, we have transitioned into an era of “pathological abundance.” Obesity, once considered a symbol of wealth or a lifestyle choice, has evolved into a new age disorder that acts as a gateway to a myriad of chronic ailments. To understand the gravity of this shift, we must analyze obesity through the lenses of neurobiology, environmental design, and socio economic pressures, moving away from “fat shaming” toward a comprehensive public health strategy.
Historically, the human body was designed for an environment of physical labor and unpredictable food supplies. Our ancestors were “biological savers,” evolved to store energy in the form of fat to survive periods of famine. In the modern world, this evolutionary advantage has become a deadly disadvantage. We are living with “Paleolithic bodies” in a “Space Age environment” where calorie dense, ultra processed foods are available at the touch of a button. In the context of our rapidly urbanizing state of Assam, the shift from traditional, fiber rich diets to refined carbohydrates and sugary beverages has created a nutritional mismatch. The traditional Assamese thali, rooted in local greens and lean proteins, is being replaced by globalized fast food, leading to a visible rise in lifestyle disorders even in our rural heartlands.
The neurobiological dimension of obesity reveals why it is classified as a disorder rather than a simple lack of willpower. Modern food science has mastered the “bliss point”—the perfect combination of sugar, salt, and fat that triggers the brain’s reward system in the same way as addictive substances. This leads to a “compulsive eating pattern” where the hormones responsible for satiety, such as leptin, are ignored by the brain. When a person becomes leptin resistant, their body believes it is starving even when it has excess energy stores. Therefore, telling an obese individual to “just eat less” is as ineffective as telling a person with a respiratory disorder to “just breathe better.” It requires a clinical understanding of the hormonal and chemical imbalances that drive the condition.
From a sectoral and economic perspective, the burden of obesity on the healthcare system is astronomical. It is the primary driver of the “non communicable disease epidemic,” including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. These chronic conditions require lifelong management, draining the exchequer and reducing the productive years of the workforce. In India, the economic cost of treating obesity related complications is projected to rise exponentially, threatening to overshadow the gains made in infectious disease control. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), which demands a shift toward “preventive healthcare” rather than just “curative intervention.”
The environmental and social dimension of obesity highlights the “obesogenic environment” we have built. Our cities are often designed for cars rather than pedestrians, and our workplaces are increasingly sedentary. The “digital revolution,” while bringing connectivity, has tethered us to screens, significantly reducing our daily physical activity. For the youth, the “playgrounds of the past” have been replaced by the “consoles of the present.” This lack of movement, combined with the aggressive marketing of junk food to children, is creating a generation that may be the first to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. To address this, we must look at “urban design” and “food policy” as health interventions.
If we examine the situation through a socio economic lens, we find a “poverty paradox.” In many developed and developing regions, obesity is more prevalent among low income groups. This is because “empty calories”—high energy, low nutrient foods—are often cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce and lean proteins. When a bottle of soda is cheaper than a liter of milk, or a packet of instant noodles is more affordable than a basket of local vegetables, the choice for a struggling family is often driven by the wallet rather than the waistline. This “structural injustice” in our food system ensures that the poorest are often the most vulnerable to this new age disorder.
Ethically, the “Dharma” of the state and the community is to foster an environment where the “healthy choice is the easy choice.” This involves implementing “sin taxes” on sugary drinks, mandating clear front of pack labeling, and restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to minors. However, this must be balanced with “social empathy.” The stigma associated with obesity often leads to psychological distress, depression, and social isolation, which in turn can lead to “emotional eating,” creating a vicious cycle. We must replace “weight bias” with “wellness support,” focusing on health outcomes rather than just aesthetic standards.
In our local context, we must reclaim the “wisdom of our ancestors.” The traditional Assamese lifestyle was one of physical activity—be it in the paddy fields or through cultural practices like Bihu dance—and a diet rich in “Khar,” “Tenga,” and seasonal vegetables. Reintegrating these traditional values into our modern lives can act as a natural barrier against obesity. We must use our educational institutions to promote “nutritional literacy,” teaching students not just the names of vitamins, but the reality of how processed foods affect their bodies and minds.
In conclusion, obesity is a “multidimensional disorder” that reflects the fractures in our modern lifestyle. It is a symptom of a world that has prioritized “speed over health” and “profit over nutrition.” We must move beyond viewing it as an individual failure and start treating it as a collective challenge. By combining clinical intervention with policy reform and social empathy, we can turn the tide against this silent epidemic.
As we move toward a “Viksit Bharat,” a healthy nation is the foundation of a prosperous nation. We must build an ecosystem where the “body and soul” are in harmony with the environment. In the spirit of “Siro senehee mor vasa jononi,” let us treat our bodies with the same reverence we hold for our mother tongue and our land. Let us ensure that our progress is “blessed and virtuous” by fostering a culture of health that empowers every citizen to reach their full potential. Only by mastering the challenges of this new age can we ensure a future where longevity is matched by the quality of life.
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